Patents by Inventor Robert Rikkert

Robert Rikkert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11718223
    Abstract: A glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, comprises a glass panel, a frame and an elongate lighting device. The glass panel comprises an interior main surface and the interior main surface of the glass panel is configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The frame is adhered to the interior main surface and comprises a shaped element. The shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusion. The elongate lighting device is coupled to the frame by a mating shape engaging the shaped element. The lighting device is configured to directly illuminate at least a part of said passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Jiangtao Li, Jur Johannes Maria Custers, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Robert Rikkert, Robbert Arij Jeroen De Jong, Sander De Bie
  • Patent number: 11414925
    Abstract: A flexible sunscreen is provided intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having a central part and two opposed inwardly folded longitudinal edge flaps connected to the central part by means of folding lines, and two opposed longitudinal guides for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the inwardly folded longitudinal edge flaps of the flexible sunscreen, which guides are provided with locking members for engaging an outer end of the inwardly folded longitudinal edge flaps for preventing these edge flaps from moving out of the longitudinal guides. The central part of the flexible sunscreen mainly is manufactured from a first material with a first stiffness wherein of the inwardly folded longitudinal edge flaps and of the parts of the central part adjacent the edge flaps at least part is made of a second material with a second higher stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Dave Keller, Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Robert Rikkert
  • Patent number: 11370282
    Abstract: A guide is presented intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and two opposed longitudinal guides each comprising at least two spaced guide legs for defining there between a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The guides and longitudinal edges are provided with cooperating guide locking members and edge locking members for preventing the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen from moving out of the guide channels. The guide locking members are defined on separate parts engaging the guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B. V.
    Inventors: Robert Rikkert, Theodorus Van Doleweerd, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas
  • Publication number: 20210316655
    Abstract: A glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, comprises a glass panel, a frame and an elongate lighting device. The glass panel comprises an interior main surface and the interior main surface of the glass panel is configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The frame is adhered to the interior main surface and comprises a shaped element. The shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusion. The elongate lighting device is coupled to the frame by a mating shape engaging the shaped element. The lighting device is configured to directly illuminate at least a part of said passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Jiangtao Li, Jur Johannes Maria Custers, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Robert Rikkert, Robbert Arij Jeroen De Jong, Sander De Bie
  • Publication number: 20200377013
    Abstract: A glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, comprises a glass panel, a frame and an elongate lighting device. The glass panel comprises an interior main surface and the interior main surface of the glass panel is configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The frame is adhered to the interior main surface and comprises a shaped element. The shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusion. The elongate lighting device is coupled to the frame by a mating shape engaging the shaped element. The lighting device is configured to directly illuminate at least a part of said passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Jiangtao Li, Jur Johannes Maria Custers, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Robert Rikkert, Robbert Arij Jeroen De Jong, Sander De Bie
  • Patent number: 10399422
    Abstract: A wind deflector assembly includes a wind deflector member which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The wind deflector member is connected to a first end of at least one pivotable wind deflector arm of which an opposite second end is at least pivotally connected to a stationary part. A biasing device engages the wind deflector arm and urges the wind deflector arm towards the extended position. The biasing device is at least pivotally connected to the stationary part through a pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUPS B.V.
    Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Suyanto Teri Wahiyu Ten-Jet-Foei, Robert Rikkert
  • Publication number: 20190085627
    Abstract: A flexible sunscreen is provided intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having a central part and two opposed inwardly folded longitudinal edges connected to the central part by means of folding lines, and two opposed longitudinal guides for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges of the flexible sunscreen, which guides are provided with locking members for engaging an outer end of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges for preventing these edges from moving out of the longitudinal guides. The central part of the flexible sunscreen mainly is manufactured from a first material with a first stiffness wherein of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges and of the parts of the central part adjacent the edges at least part is made of a second material with a second higher stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Dave Keller, Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Robert Rikkert
  • Patent number: 10132117
    Abstract: A flexible sunscreen is provided intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having a central part and two opposed inwardly folded longitudinal edges connected to the central part by means of folding lines, and two opposed longitudinal guides for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges of the flexible sunscreen, which guides are provided with locking members for engaging an outer end of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges for preventing these edges from moving out of the longitudinal guides. The central part of the flexible sunscreen mainly is manufactured from a first material with a first stiffness wherein of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges and of the parts of the central part adjacent the edges at least part is made of a second material with a second higher stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Dave Keller, Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Robert Rikkert
  • Publication number: 20180290524
    Abstract: A guide is presented intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and two opposed longitudinal guides each comprising at least two spaced guide legs for defining there between a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The guides and longitudinal edges are provided with cooperating guide locking members and edge locking members for preventing the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen from moving out of the guide channels. The guide locking members are defined on separate parts engaging the guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Rikkert, Theodorus Van Doleweerd, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas
  • Publication number: 20180186223
    Abstract: A wind deflector assembly includes a wind deflector member which extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The wind deflector member is connected to a first end of at least one pivotable wind deflector arm of which an opposite second end is at least pivotally connected to a stationary part. A biasing device engages the wind deflector arm and urges the wind deflector arm towards the extended position. The biasing device is at least pivotally connected to the stationary part through a pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Ruud Geurts, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Suyanto Teri Wahiyu Ten-Jet-Foei, Robert Rikkert
  • Patent number: 9994093
    Abstract: A guide is presented intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and two opposed longitudinal guides each comprising at least two spaced guide legs for defining there between a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The guides and longitudinal edges are provided with cooperating guide locking members and edge locking members for preventing the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen from moving out of the guide channels. The guide locking members are defined on separate parts engaging the guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEM GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Robert Rikkert, Theodorus Van Doleweerd, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas
  • Patent number: 9649918
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges, a rotatable winding shaft and an operating beam and two opposed longitudinal guides each defining a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding inwardly through an entrance opening folded parts of corresponding ones of said longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The operating beam at opposite ends includes positioning members around which inwardly folded wings of the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen are positioned. The positioning members extend into corresponding ones of said longitudinal guides longitudinally in a direction towards the winding shaft such that the positioning members only at a leading end thereof facing away from the winding shaft are connected to the operating beam and are movable with the operating beam. Each positioning member is positioned entirely within the respective guide channel without extending through the entrance opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Ruud Geurts, Robert Rikkert, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Joonggl Shin, Dave Keller
  • Publication number: 20160221424
    Abstract: A sunshade assembly comprises a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and opposed transversal edges, a rotatable winding shaft and an operating beam and two opposed longitudinal guides each defining a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding inwardly through an entrance opening folded parts of corresponding ones of said longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The operating beam at opposite ends includes positioning members around which inwardly folded wings of the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen are positioned. The positioning members extend into corresponding ones of said longitudinal guides longitudinally in a direction towards the winding shaft such that the positioning members only at a leading end thereof facing away from the winding shaft are connected to the operating beam and are movable with the operating beam. Each positioning member is positioned entirely within the respective guide channel without extending through the entrance opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Eduardus Christianus Henricus Van Boxtel, Ruud Geurts, Robert Rikkert, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Joonggl Shin, Dave Keller
  • Publication number: 20160185194
    Abstract: A guide is presented intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges and two opposed longitudinal guides each comprising at least two spaced guide legs for defining there between a guide channel for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the opposed longitudinal edges of the sunscreen. The guides and longitudinal edges are provided with cooperating guide locking members and edge locking members for preventing the longitudinal edges of the sunscreen from moving out of the guide channels. The guide locking members are defined on separate parts engaging the guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Rikkert, Theodorus Van Doleweerd, Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Petrus Martinus Josephus Clephas
  • Publication number: 20160130872
    Abstract: A flexible sunscreen is provided intended for use in a sunshade assembly of the type comprising a flexible sunscreen having a central part and two opposed inwardly folded longitudinal edges connected to the central part by means of folding lines, and two opposed longitudinal guides for receiving therein and guiding corresponding ones of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges of the flexible sunscreen, which guides are provided with locking members for engaging an outer end of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges for preventing these edges from moving out of the longitudinal guides. The central part of the flexible sunscreen mainly is manufactured from a first material with a first stiffness wherein of the inwardly folded longitudinal edges and of the parts of the central part adjacent the edges at least part is made of a second material with a second higher stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Paulus Johannes Wilhelmus Munsters, Dave Keller, Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs, Peter Christiaan Leonardus Johannes Manders, Robert Rikkert
  • Patent number: 9308803
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in its fixed roof comprises a stationary part and at least a panel supported by the stationary part and configured to close the opening in the fixed roof. The panel include two substantially parallel sheets connected and sealed to each other at least along their circumference in order to create a space there between containing gas. The space communicates with a pressure equalizing device equalizing the pressure in the space with the ambient pressure. The pressure equalizing device can be an open or closed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Wilhelmus Maria Nabuurs, Robert Rikkert, Sander De Bie
  • Patent number: 9242536
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle includes a first closing element movably supported by a stationary part and is configured to move to an upward position with at least its front edge. A second closing element movably supported by the stationary part and is positioned rearward of the first closing element. The second closing element moves between a closed position in which it closes said roof opening and an at least partly open position. An air guide on a lower side of the first closing element guides and directs the air caught by said first closing element when in its upward position during driving of the vehicle to create a boundary layer of air which is situated between the outside and the inside of the vehicle at the position of the roof opening when said second closing element is in its at least partly open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Rikkert
  • Patent number: 9233600
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary part and at least one rigid panel. The panel is movable between a closed position and a rear position. A downwardly extending side cover is connected to side edges of said panel and to the stationary part. The side cover hides an operating mechanism from a side view and has front and rear ends. The side cover is substantially stationary with respect to the stationary part and is slidably guided in a guide rail. The guide rail only starts at a distance from the front end of the cover when the panel is in its closed position. This distance is minimally Bmin and maximally: Amax=L?S?Bmin wherein: L=Length of side cover S=maximum sliding movement of guide rail of panel Bmin=Minimum overlap between side cover and guide rail in rear position of panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Nicolas Philippe Jesus Reynaud, Robert Rikkert
  • Patent number: 9090150
    Abstract: An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a stationary roof part, a roof opening provided therein and a panel movably mounted in said stationary roof part for opening and closing said roof opening. A movable wind deflector is disposed proximate a forward edge of the opening and comprises an upper elongate member extending substantially parallel to said forward edge. The wind deflector includes a flexible wind deflecting material having an upper end attached to said elongate member and a lower end attached to the stationary roof part. A movable control part extends parallel to said forward edge and was a first end attached to the stationary roof part and an opposite second end connected to the wind deflecting material at an engagement position between the upper and lower ends of the wind deflecting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V.
    Inventors: John Dean Krauss, Marko Walhout, Andrew Michael Roberts, Robert Rikkert
  • Publication number: 20150076869
    Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle comprises a stationary part and at least one rigid panel. The panel is movable between a closed position and a rear position. A downwardly extending side cover is connected to side edges of said panel and to the stationary part. The side cover hides an operating mechanism from a side view and has front and rear ends. The side cover is substantially stationary with respect to the stationary part and is slidably guided in a guide rail. The guide rail only starts at a distance from the front end of the cover when the panel is in its closed position. This distance is minimally Bmin and maximally: Amax=L?S?Bmin wherein: L=Length of side cover S=maximum sliding movement of guide rail of panel Bmin=Minimum overlap between side cover and guide rail in rear position of panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Marcel Johan Christiaan Nellen, Nicolas Philippe Jesus Reynaud, Robert Rikkert